The confirmed death toll from the coronavirus went over 50,000 in the Middle East on Thursday as the pandemic continues.
That's according to a count from The Associated Press (AP), based on official numbers offered by health authorities across the region.
The numbers could be higher as testing is limited in war-torn nations like Yemen where Houthis, who hold parts of the nation, have refused to release virus statistics.
The hardest-hit nation remains Iran, which saw the region's first major outbreak. Over 21,900 people have died there from the virus, with over 380,000 confirmed cases and 328,000 recoveries.
Israel just recorded a record-high 3,000 new cases in a day. Since reopening the economy in May, new cases have spiked to record levels and the government has been blamed for mismanaging the resurgence.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s numbers have continued to decline — befuddling expectations in mid-June when even the authorities were anticipating a massive increase in cases.
In Afghanistan, the government also has opened up its recreational facilities and most businesses. But experts fear the real numbers are likely far higher than officially reported.
